Kirby Tyler, Jr.

Mr. Kirby Tyler, Jr. passed away at home in Elberton, Georgia on Wednesday, February 14, 2024, at the age of 89.

Kirby was born in Florence, South Carolina on May 9, 1934, son of Kirby Tyler, Sr. and Gladys Blakewood Tyler. His family moved to Savannah, Georgia when he was a young boy where he had many friends, celebrated the end of WWII with a parade in the streets, and served as an altar boy at St. John’s Episcopal Church. Kirby graduated from Savannah High School and then furthered his education at the University of Georgia, where he was a member of Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity. Kirby graduated from UGA with a degree in Business Administration. Kirby later furthered his education at Louisiana State University (LSU) Banking School. 

He was proud of his service in the Naval Reserves, serving in Cuba during the late 1950s.

Kirby returned to Savannah after college and began a banking career at C&S Bank on Bull Street. It was at C & S that he met the love of his life, Carolyn Lanier. They married in July 1960 and had 63 years of love, laughs, and a true partnership that was evident to all who knew them. 

Kirby’s banking career took him from C & S Bank in Savannah to Farmers Bank in Monroe, Georgia and then to Elberton where he was Senior Vice President of Granite City Bank, which later became Regions Bank. After retiring from Regions, he joined Elberton Federal Savings and Loan where he truly enjoyed serving the community he loved. Kirby retired from Elberton Federal in 2010. 

He was very community minded and took pride in his involvement in Elbert County. Kirby was a member of Grace United Methodist Church. He was involved in various leadership roles at the Elbert Memorial Hospital, Elbert County Chamber of Commerce, Elbert County Library, Elbert County Housing Authority, First United Methodist Church (trustee, finance chairman, Mary Freeman Sunday school class), Elberton Rotary Club (Paul Harris Fellow), Athens Touchdown Club, and the Elbert County Bulldog Club. 

Kirby loved his family - daughter Lynsley Anne Tyler was born in 1962 followed by son Michael Kirby Tyler in 1965. Family trips to UGA football games were always planned each fall as were family oyster roasts at the coast. The family grew with the addition of Melissa Tyler in 2002 and granddaughter Amelia Tyler in 2004. 

He is preceded in death by his son Michael and his daughter-in-law Melissa. 

Kirby is survived by his wife of 63 years, Carolyn Lanier Tyler; his daughter, Lynsley; his granddaughter, Amelia; special friends and caregivers: Jewell Glaze and Rochelle Rucker; and several nieces and nephews. 

Mr. Tyler will lie instate at Berry Funeral Home, 1265 Washington Highway, Elberton, Georgia 30635, on Monday, February 19, from 10:00a.m. until 2:00p.m. for those wishing to pay their respects and sign the guestbook. 

Graveside services celebrating Kirby’s life will be conducted at Hillcrest Abbey East Cemetery, 1600 Wheaton Street, Savannah, Georgia 31404, on Tuesday, February 20, at 11:00a.m. with the Rev. Jim McCollough officiating. 

Honorary pallbearers will include Neil Summerlin, Eric Brewton, Ken Taylor, Matt Osbourne, Michael McGarity, and Randy Lanier.

The family respectfully request flowers be omitted. Memorials may be sent in Kirby’s memory to Grace United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 956, Elberton, Georgia 30635 or to First Methodist Church of Elberton, 132 E. Church Street, Elberton, Georgia 30635. 

The family wishes to acknowledge the wonderful care Kirby received at Elbert Memorial Hospital in recent weeks, specifically by Dr. Jonathan Poon. 

Condolences may be sent to the family online at berryfh.com. 

Berry Funeral Home & Crematory of Elberton, Georgia is respectfully in charge of arrangements for Mr. Kirby Tyler, Jr.